Glossary
Everything Nautical
Everything Nautical
Abbreviation
Courses
MCA
RYA
General Nautical Terminology
Knot
Light Characteristic
Nautical Saying
Navigation
Organisation
Signals & Communication
Flag / Pennant
Flag Semaphore
Morse Code
Number
Phonetic Alphabet
Weather (Meteorology)
Nautical chart abbreviations are like the secret code of the seas—except instead of buried treasure, they lead to rocks, buoys, and mysterious dashed lines that scream, 'Don’t sail here.' Learning them can feel like cracking a pirate’s encrypted diary, but don’t worry, matey! With clever tools, quirky mnemonics, and a splash of humour, we’ll help you go from 'What’s "FOUL" mean? to confidently navigating the “Wk” wrecks and “Fl G” flashes like a salty sea captain. Think of it as Rosetta Stone, but for avoiding sandbanks!
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology JackstayA jackstay is a length of webbing (or on rare occasions a length of wire) which run from the bow to the stern of the vessel. They have sufficient... More Details
- Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Juliett (J)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Juliett.
Meaning
I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board: keep well clear of me.
More Details
OR
I am... - General Nautical Terminology Jib
A triangular sail set ahead of the foremast, typically attached to a stay, and used to improve a vessel's manoeuvrability and balance.
The jib...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Jib SheetsLines attached to clew of headsail to control sail shape.
- Flag Semaphore, Signals & Communication Letter J (Flag Semaphore)
This signal is also used to transition from letters to numbers when communicating a message.
- Morse Code, Signals & Communication Letter J (Morse Code)
International Morse Code sequence representing the letter J.
- General Nautical Terminology, Safety Jonbuoy
A specialised man overboard recovery device designed to provide buoyancy and visibility to a person in the water.
A Jonbuoy is a...
More Details - Did you know?, Phonetic Alphabet, Signals & Communication Juliett
Pronounced: JOO-lee-ETT
The term for the letter J in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Jury RigA temporary but effective device that replaces lost or damaged gear
